Ask Dr Chris: Radiotherapy and Bipolar Disorder
Every week we partner up with our sister magazine, Woman, to bring you expert health advice from This Morning's Dr Chris Steele MBE, health journalist of the year. This week he answers your questions about radiotherapy and Bipolar Disorder.
The problem: 'Will radiotherapy harm me?'
I've had a cancerous lump removed from my left breast and I'm about to start a course of radiotherapy. Is there any chance of it damaging my heart?
The solution
This radiation, targeted in a highly accurate beam at your tumour, ensures no surrounding tissues or organs are affected. So it won't damage your heart. Breast cancer is amenable to many treatments. Ask your specialist about his success rates.
The problem:'Bipolar and all alone'
My son, 21, has bipolar affective disorder, but his medication isn't working. He can't concentrate and has no friends. What can I do?
The solution
The old name for bipolar disorder is manic-depression. When he's up, his creative brain is full of wonderful ideas, and when he's down he's very depressed. I think his consultant needs to reassess his treatment to try and stabilise his moods, improve his concentration and help him achieve more friendships.
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By Dr Chris Steele
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